Sales Down + Values Up in September

MAINE HOME VALUES INCREASE AND SALES DECREASE IN SEPTEMBER AUGUSTA (Oct 19, 2023)—The availability of single-family existing homes in Maine remains tighter-than-normal, according to Maine Listings. Realtors around the state reported a sales total of 1,410 homes in September, down 25.4 percent compared to September 2022. The statewide median sales price (MSP) increased 14.17 percent to $376,750. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less. “While the number of Maine for-sale inventory in September 2023 increased two percent from August 2023 and was up slightly from a year ago, we are 57 percent below pre-pandemic September 2019,” says Carmen McPhail, 2023 President of the Maine Association of REALTORS® and Associate Broker at family-owned United Country Lifestyle Properties of Maine with offices in Lincoln, Bangor and Lubec. “In September 2023, Maine had 3,855 homes for sale statewide—that’s compared to 9,026 in September 2019. “Our advocacy efforts at the Maine State House and local Town Halls are focused on the production of additional housing units. Whether through new construction or adaptive reuse, we are focused on creating a more balanced market in regard to supply and demand,” added McPhail. The National Association of Realtors reported that sales across the country eased 15.8 percent in the past year, while prices increased 2.5 percent to a national MSP of $399,200. Regionally sales in the Northeast eased 16.7 percent and the regional MSP rose 5.2 percent to $439,900. “While we wait to feel the impacts of supply-side solutions, the number of buyers continues to outpace the number of sellers. In order to be successful, buyers should consult early on with a REALTOR® who is knowledgeable in the local real estate market area for the best strategy, be patient and persistent, and be positioned to act quickly when opportunities arise,” says McPhail.